GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple's Messages app on iPhone ships with up to 14 built-in iMessage apps, such as location sharing, voice memos, GIFs, Venmo and ESPN, arranged in a default order that often buries frequently used tools at the bottom. Users can manually rearrange this dropdown menu so their most-used apps appear at the top instead of relying on Apple's default layout.
Apple's iOS 18.2 update introduced a Categories feature in the Mail app that automatically sorts incoming messages into Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions tabs. The feature is enabled by default, but users can turn it off to restore the app's previous single-inbox layout, and can manually reassign emails that land in the wrong category.
Google has introduced a feature called Motion Assist that aims to reduce motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. The feature requires Android 17 or higher and an updated version of Google Play Services, and is available on devices like the Pixel 11 and Samsung phones running One UI 9. Users can enable it by searching 'Motion Assist' in their phone's settings.
404 Media reports that Magnet Forensics, maker of the GrayKey phone-unlocking tool, has found a way around iOS's Inactivity Reboot, which forces a locked iPhone to reboot after 72 hours of non-use. The report cites a law enforcement training video describing a new device called GrayKey Preserve and an Evidence Preservation Mode for existing GrayKey hardware, both reportedly built to keep a seized iPhone from returning to its more secure locked state.
Security researchers at Malwarebytes have identified a fraudulent advertisement claiming Apple's unreleased iPhone Duo foldable can be preordered now for a $500 discount, even though Apple has said preorders start October 16 and sales begin October 23. The scam relies on the DarkSword exploit chain, which can steal data from vulnerable iPhones running iOS 18.4 to 18.6.2 simply by loading the malicious page, without requiring any clicks or typed input.
Apple's Visual Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.1 as part of Apple Intelligence, lets compatible iPhones (15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or newer) identify objects, landmarks and business signage through the camera. Users can activate it via the Camera Control button, the Action button, Siri, or a Control Center shortcut, then get details through Siri, Google Image Search or ChatGPT. It also extends Live Text's existing ability to detect and act on text in the camera view, such as translating, reading aloud or opening links and contact details.
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces the ability to shrink or expand the clock on the iPhone lock screen, building on previous features like removable controls and movable widgets. Users can now toggle between a compact clock near the top and an enlarged version that takes up roughly a third of the screen, adjustable through the Wallpaper settings menu.
India's Central Consumer Protection Authority has sent its investigation into the 2024 iOS 18 update to a specialized probe unit, examining claims that the update caused screen discoloration and microphone faults on iPhones, leaving owners to pay for repairs since software isn't covered under warranty. Apple denies wrongdoing, calling the 75 complaints insufficient to prove a systemic flaw and arguing it shouldn't be treated as an insurer for all software-related risk.
Farwave is a new iOS app that lets users explore a 3D globe to discover and listen to radio stations from around the world, including a 'Take me anywhere' shuffle feature and listening history. Beyond radio, the app organizes podcasts and personal music imports onto separate visual 'planets,' supporting playback queues, speed control, and offline downloads.
Apple's iOS 18 update introduced support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), replacing the older SMS-based system for cross-platform messaging. This change resolves the long-standing issue of photos and videos losing quality when sent from Android phones to iPhones.